| INTERNATIONAL TERRORIST SYMBOLS DATABASE |
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| Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (1)
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Other LTTE Symbols:
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Description: The yellow head and paws of a roaring tiger emerge from a black circle against a red background. The circle is superimposed over two crossed rifles and is ringed by bullets.
Explanation: The symbol prominently displays three colors: red, yellow and black. The background is red, which denotes revolution and social change. The yellow tiger is an emblem with deep roots in Tamil culture, representing heroism, militancy and patriotism. It also signifies the group's goal of self-determination. The black rifle and bullets underscore a commitment to violence.
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| Name Variations | Overview | Focus of Operations | Major Attacks | Leaders | Ideology | Goals | Methods | Sponsors | U.S.- Related Activities | |
Name Variations
- Tamil Tigers
- Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
Overview
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) grew out of a wider Tamil struggle for independence on Sri Lanka in the early 1970's. The Tamils, an ethnic group comprising about one-fifth of the island's population, fought the ruling Sinhalese in an attempt to govern traditionally Tamil regions. Officially formed in 1976 by the militant high-school dropout Velupillai Prabhakaran, the LTTE began conducting extensive and deadly terrorist attacks throughout Sri Lanka in 1983. The group consists of several divisions, including an elite guerrilla force called the Charles Anthony Regiment and a highly effective suicide bombing squad known as the Black Tigers. It also has a political wing, an intelligence division and a small navy (the Sea Tigers).
The LTTE was a pioneer in the use of suicide bombings, employing them since 1987, and its suicide bombers are among the most revered figures in the organization; they have killed thousands of soldiers and civilians. The group actively recruits women and youths for suicide missions, and would-be bombers are treated to the honor of sharing their last meal with Prabhakaran.
The LTTE has engaged in a long and bloody war against Sri Lankan military forces, causing tens of thousands of civilian and military casualties. Since 2002, however, the group has largely abided by a Norwegian-brokered cease-fire with the Sri Lankan government.
To read more about LTTE, click to this article on the ADL Web site.
Focus of Operations
Sri Lanka, India. The LTTE also has extensive fundraising and propaganda operations throughout Europe, Canada and Asia, and often rely on violent crime to raise funds.
Major Attacks
- June 7, 2000: Suicide bomb in Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka. 20 killed - including C.V. Goonaratne, Minister for Industrial Development - and at least 50 wounded.
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January 31, 1996: Truck bomb at the central bank in Colombo. 90 killed, 1,400 wounded.
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May 21, 1991: Suicide bomb in Madras, India, killed former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
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March 2, 1991: Suicide bomb killed Sri Lanka Defense Minister Ranjan Wijeratne and 19 others.
Leadership
- Founder: Velupillai Prabhakaran
- Chief Negotiator: Anton Balasingham
Ideology
Tamil nationalism
Goals
Establishing an independent Tamil state.
Methods
Suicide bombings, paramilitary operations against civilian and military targets
Sponsors
Prior to 1991, the Indian government armed the group. The LTTE also buys weapons from countries of the former Soviet Union.
U.S.-Related Activities
Designated by the U.S. as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
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